Compassionate Organics

Since 2012, I have been approached by numerous applicants that seek to open a medical marijuana dispensary in the Allston / Brighton neighborhood. Due to the security concerns and potential neighborhood impacts that accompany a use of this nature, I take great care to examine all proposals before me with an abundance of caution and due diligence, including that of Mr. Geoffrey Reilinger of Compassionate Organics which was presented to the Council’s Planning and Development Committee this Monday. It is my strong belief that Compassionate Organics is not a suitable candidate to site a medical marijuana dispensary in Allston.

Many members of the Allston / Brighton community are in support of bringing such a use to our neighborhood, as evidenced by the hundreds of letters of support that both applicants approaching the Council have received. However, I believe that the behavior a company displays when seeking approval is indicative of the manner in which it will operate once in business. In good faith, I cannot vote to offer a letter of non-opposition to Compassionate Organics while serving the best interests of the community that I have been elected to represent.